I wasn’t such a great interviewer. I intruded too much with my own opinions. A good interviewer uses non-judgmental questions so the subject feels comfortable being honest. Once you start to pronounce judgments, your subject easily becomes defensive.

Always use a tape recorder. Explain to the subject, if need be, that no one will hear it but you.

Take notes, too. Tape recorders sometimes malfunction.

Do your homework. A subject will warm to you when realizing you’ve taken the trouble to be informed.

If you can, find someplace quiet where you won’t be interrupted and steer the subject there.

Save the tough questions for the latter part of the interview.

Try not to ask questions that can be answered with a "yes" or "no."

Don’t be nervous. The athlete can’t hurt you. But you can hurt the athlete. He or she is the one who should be nervous, and probably is.

If you are totally out of your element, ask for help. Admit that you normally cover softball and have never written a piece on rowing. Almost always, the subject will be only too happy to help.

Try to have a "conversation" when possible, instead of just asking questions.

Unless you have an agenda, have three to four questions prepared to get things rolling. Then follow where the subject wants to take you.

If you are covering something unfamiliar with many possible interview subjects, pick the smartest, most experienced reporter in the room and follow him or her like a puppy dog. You’ll be led straight to the best interviews.